The St. Francis Lancers and Sir Francis Drake Pirates had up-and-down seasons that ended in heartbreak. Regardless of the year’s outcome, one thing can be certain -- both teams have produced talented ballplayers.
Left-handed pitcher John Gavin of St. Francis was particularly dominant throughout the season. Because Gavin managed 100 strikeouts in 78.2 innings and finished the 2014 season with an 8-1 record, he stood out to MLB teams, especially the Milwaukee Brewers, who picked him 1,116th overall, in the 39th round on Day 3 of the draft.
“The draft is something that is one of the most chaotic things in the world,” Gavin said. “The Brewers had interest in me and I thank the Brewers for that. I look at this [selection] as an award.”
Although Gavin called this achievement “a dream come true,” he will continue his baseball career at Cal State Fullerton, he said.
“I’m going to college and I think the Brewers organization knew that when they drafted me,” Gavin said. “I think signability had something to do with [getting picked towards the end of the day].”
Fortunately for the Lancer community, another player was selected in the draft. Tim Susnara was selected in the 34th round as the 1,018th overall pick by the San Francisco Giants.
“Honored to be drafted by the team I’ve been growing up watching,” Susnara said via Twitter after getting picked.
Like St. Francis, Drake watched a pair of its own players get drafted. Drake 2011 alum Alec Kenilvort got chosen by the Colorado Rockies in the 15th round. In the 39th round, the Giants selected Joe Ryan.
In addition to St. Francis and Drake, several other Bay Area preps were drafted.
Some noteworthy players who were picked directly out of high School Saturday include Trenton Kemp of Buchanan, McCarthy Tatum of Clovis, Joe Gillette of Scotts Valley and Denis Karas of Campolindo.
Also, Mitty grad and Cal product Trevor Hildenberger, (Class of 2009) a right-handed pitcher, was picked 650th overall, in the 22nd round.
In terms of college prospects, Fresno State and Stanford University had the most ballplayers selected.
Four Fresno State Bulldogs -- Jordan Brink, Chris Mariscal, Garrett Mundell and Trent Woodward -- were picked in the 11th, 14th, 18th, and 20th rounds, respectively.
Five Stanford Cardinal players - A.J. Vanegas, Wayne Taylor, Dominic Jose, Mikel Whiting and Sam Lindquist - got drafted in the 11th, 16th, 24th, 30th, and 37th rounds respectively.
For a snapshot of all local players drafted today, go to the following Twitter account: @andersbrn.
